How to prune figs?

Fig trees are popular for their sweet fruit and rich nutritional value, but timely pruning is essential if you want your fig tree to thrive and bear abundant fruit. So how do you prune figs?

1. Pruning cycle

Early spring pruning: This is done in March when the trees are just beginning to sprout. The purpose is to shape and remove dead branches and leaves, retain strong branches, and ensure that the branches and leaves are well-nourished and full of vitality when they sprout.

Pruning during the fruit growth period: During the fruit growth period, pruning is mainly carried out on overgrown branches, dense branches, diseased branches, and withered flowers and bad fruits. If the fruits grow too densely, some should be pruned back to avoid affecting the overall yield.

Late summer pruning: Pruning is carried out in July to August, late after the fruits are ripe. It helps to promote the growth and development of new shoots and prepare for the next year's fruit growth.

Winter pruning: Pruning during the winter dormancy period, usually between November and February of the following year, can promote the growth and branching of new shoots, which is beneficial to the shaping and density adjustment of the plants. The best time is in late winter, from February to March, when pruning can promote the growth and development of new shoots.

2. Pruning during the seedling stage

When the fig tree grows to 30 to 50 cm, top it to promote the growth of side branches, keep the plant low and the branches spread outward, which helps ventilation and light transmission. It is best to topping and pinching before bud break in spring to reduce sap loss and nutrient loss. After topping, select 2 to 3 strong side branches to keep, remove excess branches and avoid the top being too dense.

3. Pruning of seedlings

Early spring pruning: Before the figs sprout, cut off dead branches, diseased branches and overly dense branches to promote ventilation and light transmission and reduce the occurrence of diseases.

Pruning during the fruit-bearing period: During the peak fruit-bearing period, the top branches should be pruned moderately to concentrate nutrients and promote fruit ripening.

Winter pruning: After the leaves fall, cut off the overgrown branches and dense branches to ensure that the plant survives the winter smoothly.

4. Pruning tips

When pruning, be careful not to over-prune, as this will affect the growth balance of the plant. After pruning, apply wood ash or other protective agents to the wound to prevent sap loss and branch drying.

5. Daily maintenance

After pruning, combine proper watering and fertilization with adequate light to promote healthy growth of the fig tree and abundant fruit production.

In summary, when pruning, you should pay attention to using sharp tools to avoid damaging the trees, and clean up the pruned branches in time to prevent the breeding of diseases and pests. At the same time, according to the growth of trees and the effect of pruning, the pruning time and method can be adjusted appropriately to achieve the best pruning effect.